The current generation Mercedes GLE Class has been around for several years. It’s not long, but it’s time for a mid-cycle refresh and in this case, it’s a very minor refresh. Captured here are two GLE test vehicles under the guise of AMG. Specifically, these are the AMG GLE 53 in standard SUV trim, and the GLE 53 Coupe.
Both wear the same red, and both also have the same camouflage wrap on the front fascia. That’s where most of the updates will take place, but the changes will indeed be very minor. In fact, the overall design looks identical to the current model, with the same structure for the lower fascia and grille. The corner vents will change slightly, perhaps getting some additional trim to separate them from the rest of the fascia. New headlights are also coming, shrunk in size a bit. There’s more camouflage wrap at the rear, but the changes are relegated to new taillights.
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This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a GLE test vehicle, but the towing trailer prototype is something new. This suggests a possible powertrain update, although we didn’t hear anything in the rumors about a tweak under the hood. The current AMG GLE 53 runs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with mild hybrid assistance, producing 429 horsepower. The new Mercedes-AMG C63 S just debuted a hybrid powertrain with a whopping 671 hp combined, but its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder alone produces 476 hp. That could be a potential engine upgrade for the GLE 53, especially as emissions regulations get tougher.
Similarly, we haven’t heard anything about interior changes for this mid-cycle refresh. Some of the new photos are clear enough to catch a glimpse of the dashboard, and we see the same climate vents at the ends with a large glass screen for the driver. We also saw some fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror of the GLE 53 Coupe. If something significant happened inside, we suspect things wouldn’t be so ordinary.
All the evidence points to the new GLE Class debuting for the 2023 model year. That means the reveal could happen before the end of the year, but if you want more Mercedes-AMG content, you can check out the Rambling About Cars podcast now.
